Highland cattle are among the most iconic and recognisable cattle breeds, known for their long, curved horns and thick, shaggy coats. Originating in the rugged Scottish Highlands, they have been the symbol of Scotland’s agricultural history and cultural heritage for centuries.
In this article, we explore the origins and evolution of Highland cattle, as well as their unique physical characteristics, temperament, and economic value. Whether you’re interested in their historical roots, adaptability to harsh climates, or their role in modern farming, this guide covers everything you need to know about these remarkable animals.
Main Takeaways
- Historical Significance: Highland cattle have deep roots in Scotland, dating back thousands of years. Their ancestors were linked to wild cattle species like the aurochs.
- Unique Physical Traits: Known for their long horns and shaggy coats, Highland cattle are perfectly adapted to cold, wet climates. They have a resilient double-layered coat.
- Temperament: Despite their hardy nature, highland cattle are known for their gentle and docile temperament, making them easy to handle.
- Longevity and Hardiness: Highland cattle have a longer lifespan (up to 20 years) compared to many other cattle breeds, living in tough environments with minimal maintenance.
- Economic Value: While not suited for intensive farming, Highland cattle are valuable for low-production systems, producing lean beef and requiring little supplementary feed.
- Cultural Impact: These cattle have influenced Scottish art and culture, and their image is commonly featured in visual arts.
Photo By: Ingo Jakubke
Origin and History
Highland cattle have great historical significance and are an enduring symbol of Scotland’s rural heritage. They embody the spirit and resilience of the Scottish countryside.
Highland cattle are famous for their long horns and shaggy coats. Their origins can be traced to the rugged Scottish Highlands and Western Isles.
Highland cattle have deep historical roots in Scotland. There is evidence of genetic similarities with wild cattle that lived in the region during the Ice Age eras. The aurochs (Bos primigenius), a massive wild species that lived in Scotland and whose fossilised remains were discovered as far north as Caithness, are believed to be one of the ancestors. Approximately 5,000 years ago, Neolithic and Bronze Age settlers introduced domesticated Celtic shorthorns (Bos longifrons) to the region. These cattle coexisted with the aurochs, which ultimately became extinct in Scotland by the 9th or 10th century due to various factors, including hunting and habitat changes.
Over centuries, the Celtic Shorthorn evolved into the Kyloe, a small, hardy breed known for its resilience in the harsh Scottish climate. The Kyloe was the foundation for the Highland breed in the 16th century. Bishop Leslie, an observer of the time, depicted these cattle as untamed and having deer-like behaviour, with distinctive long horns and shaggy coats that offer protection against the cold.
As agricultural practices evolved, selective breeding became more common, especially in the lush pastures of regions like Argyll and the Highlands. This led to the development of the larger, well-muscled Highland cattle we know today, known for their adaptability to rugged landscapes and ability to thrive on rough forage.
Historically, cattle were a crucial economic asset in Scotland. Thousands of hides were exported to markets across Europe, and large herds were traded annually, contributing significantly to the local economy. The movement of cattle from the Highlands to central markets and into England was an important aspect of Scotland’s agricultural economy, increasing trade and cultural exchange over the centuries.
Highland Cattle: Colors, Horns and Size
Highland cattle are one of the most recognisable cattle breeds in the world. They have peculiar physical characteristics, such as coat colour, horn size and shape, and body features.
Highland Cattle weight and height
Mature bulls typically weigh between 1,500 to 1,800 pounds (680 to 820 kilograms), and cows range from 900 to 1,200 pounds (410 to 550 kilograms), making them a relatively small cattle breed.
Their height to the withers varies, with bulls averaging 106 to 120 centimetres and cows around 90 to 106 centimetres.
Highland Cattle Coat
A defining feature of Highland Cattle is their long, double-layered coat. A coarse, oily outer layer provides protection, and a soft undercoat provides insulation, helping them against harsh weather. This adaptation allows them to thrive in cold, wet climates.
The coat’s characteristic colour, which everyone associates with Highland Cattle, is Red or dune. However, several other colours are present, with black being very frequent. Coat colours also include silver, yellow, white, and brindle.
Highland Cattle Horns
Both males and females possess impressive horns; bulls’ horns typically extend forward with slight upward curves, while cows’ horns tend to rise more gracefully and curve outward. These horns serve practical purposes, such as foraging in snow and defence against predators, and contribute to their iconic appearance.
Photo By: Lasse Kolb
Highland Cattle Lifespan
Highland cattle are very sturdy and resilient, making them one of the breeds with better longevity when considering their lifespan in natural conditions and natural death. They can live up to 20 years or more, surpassing the typical 15-year lifespan of most commercial cattle breeds.
This extended lifespan is attributed to their robust genetic makeup, disease resistance, and ease of calving, often requiring minimal human intervention and making birth-related death and secondary disease a relatively rare occurrence.
Their hardiness is further exemplified by their ability to thrive in harsh climates like the cold and wet conditions of their native Scottish Highlands. Their thick, double-layered coats provide insulation against freezing temperatures, allowing them to graze outdoors year-round without the need for shelter.
This adaptability has enabled Highland cattle to be successfully raised in various environments worldwide, from the snowy regions of Canada and Norway to more temperate areas.
Their remarkable hardiness and longevity make them a valuable asset in diverse farming practices, especially where harsh conditions and a low level of quality grazing grass and resources may jeopardise sustainability.
Temperament and Behavior
Although Highland cattle are used to living in harsh conditions and away from human contact, they are renowned for their gentle and docile temperament, making them a favoured breed among farmers and cattle enthusiasts.
Their calm temper allows for easier handling and reduces stress within the herd. Socially, Highland cattle establish clear hierarchical structures, with dominance often determined by age and sex; older individuals typically hold higher ranks, and males generally dominate females. This well-defined hierarchy minimises aggression within the herd.
It must be remembered that this cattle breed is equipped with a very important set of horns, which means that a fiery temper and aggressive behaviours can easily lead to injury within the herd or towards farmers. The fact that it is a normal sight to see these cattle with horns is a testament to their docile nature and ability to avoid conflict and injury.
Additionally, Highland cows exhibit strong maternal instincts, forming deep bonds with their calves and displaying protective behaviours to ensure their offspring’s safety. These traits collectively contribute to the breed’s reputation for being manageable and nurturing.
Economic Aspects Associated with Highland Cattle
Today, Highland cattle are not considered the most profitable commercial cattle and are definitely not the choice of intensive farming systems.
One of the main advantages of Highland Cattle and the reason farmers may want this breed is that they are extremely adaptable to harsh environments and can feed low-quality forage, making farms more sustainable in areas where farming conditions are harsher.
Highland cattle require relatively low maintenance and can thrive on poor-quality pasture, reducing the need for expensive supplementary feeding. This is why they have spread widely beyond Scotland and are the most commonly used low-production cattle breed in Switzerland. Additionally, their beef is lean and flavorful, appealing to health-conscious consumers.
Several factors, including age, pedigree, and health, influence the market value of these animals. Calves typically range from $200 to $800, while mature cows and bulls can command prices between $1,500 and $5,000 or more, depending on their lineage and overall condition. Animals with superior pedigrees or unique characteristics may fetch higher prices.
The reason why you will not see these cattle in intensive systems is that Highland cattle have a slower growth rate compared to other beef breeds, taking longer to reach market weight, which can be a significant factor for commercial producers.
Can You Milk a Highland Cow?
From a zootechnical point of view, Highland cattle are not milking cows, but it is technically possible to milk them. However, the amount of milk a female Highland cow produces is low, around 15 litres daily. If you compare this to the average milk production of a dairy cow, which is normally around 30 litres a day, it is easy to understand that using them for milk production may not be a good idea.
Highland cow milk also has a very high-fat percentage, so the best use is to give it all to a calf.
Highland Cattle in Art and Culture
Highland cattle have influenced art and culture, especially their frequent depiction in watercolour paintings of the Scottish rural heritage, but also for the utilisation of their hides.
Highland cattle hides are highly prized for their thick and durable qualities, making them ideal for various products such as rugs, wall hangings, and upholstery.
In the visual arts, Highland cattle have become iconic subjects, especially in watercolour. Artists are drawn to their unique appearance—characterised by long horns and flowing coats—which allows for expressive and textured representations.
Photo By: Milosz Roman
Viewing Highland Cattle in Scotland
Scotland, as well as the rest of the UK, offers numerous locations where visitors can observe Highland cattle in their natural habitats. One notable spot is the Applecross Peninsula, home to one of the oldest herds in the country, dating back to the 1700s. These cattle roam freely in the Applecross Glen, especially during the summer and autumn months.
For those near Glasgow, Pollok Country Park provides an accessible opportunity to see these iconic animals. The park has maintained a fold of Highland cattle for almost two centuries, allowing visitors to observe them amidst scenic surroundings.
Travellers going on the North Coast 500 route, a 500-mile scenic loop around northern Scotland, will likely encounter Highland cattle grazing along the way. This journey offers breathtaking landscapes and frequent sightings of these distinctive animals.
Additionally, Glen Nevis, near Fort William, is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and resident Highland cattle, making it a favourite among photographers and nature enthusiasts.
Conclusion
Highland cattle are not just a symbol of Scotland’s rural heritage; they are a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the enduring spirit of the Scottish Highlands.
With origins dating back thousands of years, these cattle have evolved to thrive in some of the harshest conditions, making them an asset to farming communities across the world.
Their iconic appearance, long horns, and shaggy coats match their gentle temperament, making them a favourite among farmers and cattle enthusiasts. Though they may not be the most commercially viable breed for intensive farming, their ability to thrive on poor pasture, combined with their lean, flavorful beef, has made them a sustainable choice for low-production farming systems.
Highland cattle’s historical significance, cultural impact, and economic value remain Scotland’s agricultural identity. From their presence in art to their role in rural economies, they remain an enduring symbol of Scotland’s rich heritage. As these animals continue roaming the Highlands’ rugged landscapes, their legacy will live on, offering both a connection to the past and a reminder of the strength found in nature’s ability to adapt and endure.
